We passed five days in Mumbai to attend a wedding (yes, an Indian wedding with all the bells and whistles!) and although we didn't get to visit many restaurants, our local friends They made us a list of their favorite places to eat in Mumbai. From where to get a good coffee in Mumbai to the best places to try Indian or Asian food or have a beer, here you have a complete guide based on recommendations made by our friends there.
We were only able to visit a few of the sites on the list, and we will share them with you we will tell at the end, with our personal impressions But everything else comes with the stamp of people who live in Mumbai, love good food, and don't mess around. So if you're passing through the city and don't know where to start... read on!
Indian food restaurants
Copper Chimney (Worli and other branches)
A Mumbai classic that never disappoints. Copper Chimney has been serving for decades North Indian food with that smoky touch so characteristic of the tandoor. From its murgh malai tikka until the creamy black dal, everything comes with an intensity of flavor that hooks you.
Ideal for family lunches or dinners with friends, the atmosphere is elegant but not stuffy. You can find it in several neighborhoods, so there's always one nearby when you're craving a well-made curry.
Peshawari (ITC Maratha, Andheri)
Peshawari is quite an experience, not only for its food, but also for how it is served: without cutlery, just like they do in the north. The place has that luxurious rustic feel, with wooden benches and copper plates. Everything is cooked in a tandoor oven, which gives everything a truly smoky touch.
The dal Bukhara Cooked for hours, it's one of the best in town. Add a buttery naan and you'll be in heaven. It's not cheap, but for a special occasion, it's well worth it.
Tanjore Tiffin Room (Versova/Bandra)
A place with a southern soul but a modern presentation, where every dish feels homemade... but with plenty of style. Tanjore Tiffin Room blends traditional recipes with fresh ingredients and creative twists.
Try it yes or yes gunpowder idlis the fish curry or the soft one chicken appam combo The decor is cozy, with that tropical bistro feel that invites you to linger and chat for a while.
Mysore Café (Matunga)
If you're looking for something authentic, affordable, and unpretentious, Mysore Café is a gem. This neighborhood spot has been serving the best of the udipi traditional, with simple dishes but full of flavor.
The masala dosa and the idli vada combo With their homemade chutney, they're amazing. Don't expect luxury, but do expect an authentic experience and traditional filter coffee.
Dakshinayan (Juhu)
A safe bet for enjoying southern cuisine with a more comfortable and relaxed touch. Dakshinayan has an extensive menu, ideal for exploring different styles: from rava dosa to pongal or the lemon rice.
Everything is served quickly and with consistent quality. The atmosphere is more curated than at other udipi restaurants, making it a good choice for a family or group visit.
Benne Dosa (Bandra & Juhu)
More informal and with a street soul, Benne Dosa is the perfect place for a craving golden brown and buttery dosa Its creative combinations and fast service make it ideal for a quick stop.
Don't miss the cheese benne dosa or the classic version with coconut chutney and sambar It's a no-fuss place, but every bite packs a punch.
Asian cuisine
Ling's Pavilion (Colaba)
One of Mumbai's great Chinese food classics, Ling's Pavilion is a trip back in time: retro decor, white-shirted waiters, and a menu that hasn't changed in years... and thankfully, because everything is still delicious.
The crab in black bean sauce the hot garlic noodles and the classics dim sum They're safe bets. It's a place with soul, perfect for a relaxed meal in the city's historic center.
Pa Pa Ya (Bandra / BKC)
This place is pure Asian fusion with a modern touch. Here you will find everything from sushi with mango to duck tacos with hoisin, all presented with great artistry. They also have well-thought-out cocktails to pair with it.
The atmosphere is lively, with music, low lighting, and communal tables. Ideal for dinner with friends where you want to eat well and have an even better time.
Foo (Various locations)
Foo is a pan-Asian all-rounder: an extensive menu, fresh ingredients, and a modern yet comfortable aesthetic. From gyozas to prawn tempura sushi or Thai-inspired dishes, everything is well executed.
The best thing is that they maintain good quality without going overboard. Plus, they have several locations around the city, which always helps.
Jia (Colaba)
An elegant place with a carefully curated menu of Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Here, everything has a more refined touch, ideal if you're craving something special without being pretentious.
The truffle edamame dimsum the dragon rolls and the crispy lotus stem These are sure-fire bets. Good service, good music, and that touch of sophistication that's appreciated from time to time.
Burma Burma (Fort / BKC)
Burmese cuisine 100% vegetarian, and yes, it is spectacular. Burma Burma surprises with the variety of dishes, many of them little known, but full of flavor and texture khao suey, laphet thoke (tea salad) and tofu samosas are to be repeated.
The decor is also beautiful, and the service is charming. It doesn't serve meat or alcohol, but it doesn't need to.
Charming cafes
Nutcracker (Fort/Bandra/BKC)
Small, cozy, and always with a good atmosphere. Nutcracker is the ideal place for a good breakfast, with homemade dishes and both sweet and savory options. Don't forget to try the eggs akuri the cakes of the day or the spiced hot chocolate.
It has several locations, each maintaining that warm, family-friendly atmosphere that makes it irresistible. Perfect for sitting down with your laptop or catching up with someone leisurely.
The Kala Ghoda Cafe (Fort)
A classic in the artistic neighborhood of Kala Ghoda, this café has the charm of an old colonial house with high ceilings and exposed brick walls. The atmosphere is relaxed, with good music and the smell of freshly brewed coffee.
The most top thing here are their Indian-style filter coffee the croissants and the baked eggs with homemade bread Plus, they often have art exhibitions, and it's one of those places where time flies.
Nandan Coffee (Bandra)
A hideaway with lots of personality in a small street in Bandra. Nandan Coffee specializes in specialty coffee of Indian origin, roasted at home, and served with care.
The place is quiet, minimalist, and very photogenic. They also have vegan options and some really good snacks. Perfect for an afternoon of reading or brainstorming.
Subko Coffee @ Abode (Colaba)
One of Mumbai's coffee temples, Subko is a roaster, bakery, and café all in one, with an obsession for quality and design. Their location inside the Abode Hotel is beautiful: clean, modern, and very stylish.
From a spectacular cold brew From sourdough breads to fermented pastries, everything is thought out down to the last detail. Perfect if you're a serious coffee drinker or just love good things.
Continental and fusion cuisine
The Table (Colaba)
One of the city's most elegant and consistent restaurants, The Table offers modern international cuisine with Californian influences and a menu that changes with the seasons. Everything is made with fresh, local ingredients, but with global techniques.
Try it truffle fries the zucchini spaghetti or its famous burger The space is beautiful: high ceilings, dark wood, and warm lighting. Perfect for a special dinner or a classy brunch.
Ottra (Bandra)
One of the newest gems in Bandra, Ottra blends flavors Mexicans and South Americans with a contemporary twist. It's a fresh place with a modern design and dishes that surprise both in flavor and presentation.
From avocado toast to tacos with cochinita pibil Everything comes with that spicy, vibrant touch. The cocktail menu also deserves a special mention.
The Bombay Canteen (Lower Parel)
This place reinterprets Indian cuisine with a creative and modern approach. At The Bombay Canteen you will find everything from beetroot kachori to jackfruit curry, all reinvented but with respect for the traditional.
The atmosphere is lively, with vintage decor and friendly service. It's also a good place for an after-dinner drink. Don't miss their desserts, which are a spectacle.
Prithvi Café (Juhu)
An artistic oasis within the Prithvi Theatre grounds, this café is ideal for a relaxing getaway: tables under the trees, hanging lanterns, and a menu that blends simple dishes with an international flair.
The best: its hummus with pita the warm brownies and the chicken tikka sandwich It has a bohemian vibe, and is often filled with artists and theater students. A great, relaxing plan.
Places with beer
Effingut (Colaba)
One of the pioneers in the world of craft beer in Mumbai. Effingut has an extensive menu of beers brewed in-house, from strong IPAs to milder options like a Hefeweizen or a spiced Saison.
The Colaba location is lively, with good music and a food menu that goes well with it (nachos, sliders, wings, etc.). If you like trying different beers, this is the place for you.
Café Mondegar (Colaba)
A classic among classics. Mondegar has that nostalgic vibe with its murals by Mario Miranda, retro juke box and tables packed from early on. Here you go for the Very cold Kingfisher, a grilled sandwich and a lot of history.
It's the perfect place to go with friends and soak up Colaba's relaxed atmosphere. And if you get a table near the window, even better.
Colaba Social (Colaba)
Part coworking space, part bar, part restaurant... Social is an all-in-one with an industrial aesthetic and dishes with a street-food soul domestic and imported beer, cocktails and plenty of activity in the evenings.
Try their Chinese bhel, chicken wings or one of the urban thalis they offer. Perfect for when you want a place with character without spending a lot.
Gokul Bite (Colaba)
This is a real underground classic. Gokul is for those looking for something cheap, authentic and hassle-free. Well-priced beers, unbeatable Indian food, and shared tables. You don't go here for the design, you go here for the atmosphere.
It's one of those places where everyone ends up chatting with strangers. Perfect for ending the night without posing.
The restaurants we tried
Dakshinayan (Juhu)
As it was close to our hotel, this was one of the few places we were able to try in Mumbai, and Dakshinayan It was a gem. It was recommended to us as one of the best for South Indian food, and did not fail.
We tested the sevai, very fine rice noodles seasoned with lemon and spices: light, tasty and with that citrusy touch that hooks you in. We also ordered a vegetable ottapam, a kind of thick-crust “Indian pizza” with vegetable toppings, very delicious. But the undisputed winner was the cheese dosa Crispy on the outside, melting on the inside, pure glory. It's a shame it's not widely available in the north, because we loved it.
An unpretentious place, but full of flavor. We would definitely return.
- 💸 Average price per person: 300-400 INR
- ⭐ Favorite dish: Cheese dosa
Prithvi Café (Juhu)
This cafe is within the grounds of the Prithvi Theatre And it has that special charm of a place where art, conversation, and good food blend. Under the trees and with hanging lanterns, the atmosphere invites you to linger for hours.
We ask for the aloo paratha, which is accompanied by dal makhani and raita: homemade, tasty and very comforting. I also had a chili cheese toast which was spectacular, very crispy and just the right amount of spice. To drink, the most fun part: the masala chaas served in a beer bottle Very fresh, spicy, and perfect for the heat. We'd go back for that combo alone.
- 💸 Average price per person: 600 INR
- ⭐ Favorite dish: Chili cheese toast
Effingut (Colaba)
If you fancy a good craft beer in Mumbai, Effingut It's a must-see. The Colaba location has a modern pub atmosphere, good music, and plenty of long tables for groups or leisurely seating.
We tried three classics: chicken popcorn, potato chips and nachos And yes, although they sound like typical snacks from any continental bar... here they have their own character. The spices, the sauces, even the spices: everything has that special something that makes them special and very addictive. We accompany everything with cold beer (They have many artisanal options, we recommend trying several).
Ideal for a simple snack and having a good time.
- 💸 Average price per person: 800-1000 INR
- ⭐ Favorite dish: Chicken popcorn + craft beer
If you want to read other articles ideal for your trip that complement Where to eat in Mumbai you can visit our posts about India.
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